Dar es Salaam. University students through
their umbrella organ, Tanzania Higher Learning Institutions Students
Organisation (Tahliso), have faulted the decision by the Tanzania
Commission for Universities (TCU) to introduce a new charge for them
which the latter termed ‘quality assurance fee.’
Tahliso chairman Mussa Mdede, told reporters in
the city yesterday that the decision was just meant to make students dig
deep into their pockets, despite their poor financial status.
“Why should TCU, a government institution, rely on
students’ money to run its daily activities?,” he lamented, adding, “A
student fails to even pay tuition fee, yet TCU is adding another burden
on him!”
TCU now charges each student Sh20, 000 as quality
assurance fee. The vast majority of students charged the fee come from
poor families and get financial aid from the university student loans
board.
When reached for comment, TCU acting general
secretary Prof Magishi Mgasa said the fee would be spent on inspecting
universities. (CREDIT: THE CITIZEN)